The adhesive giant Hexion is establishing a new global research and development center in Dublin, Ohio, setting up shop in the Columbus region and promising to be a boon for innovation and job creation. This move, unveiled on the City of Dublin's official news site, is expected to conjure up 100 new jobs by the year 2028. The company's decision to expand its Ohio presence taps into a thriving talent pool and a supportive ecosystem for research.
The new facility is not merely an expansion but a consolidation, bringing Hexion's five existing global research laboratories together into what's deemed the Innovation Lab, that will combine efforts in chemical engineering, materials science and manufacturing, setting the stage for enhanced technical synergy and expedited product development across a range of industries, like building, construction, automotive, energy and industrial manufacturing. According to Michael Lefenfeld, President & CEO of Hexion, "At Hexion, innovation isn’t just a commitment—it’s our catalyst for transformation and a key part of our long-term growth strategy," asserting their global ambitions in a statement obtained by the City of Dublin's official news site.
JobsOhio, a private nonprofit economic development corporation, alongside One Columbus, contributed to Hexion's decision, representing a collaborative effort to reinforce Ohio's stature as a hub for cutting-edge chemical research and advanced manufacturing. The hiring for these new positions is to begin immediately, with more than 40 employees from existing R&D sites also set to relocate to the area as part of the development. "Hexion's investment is a clear signal that the Columbus Region continues to be a destination of choice for global innovators," Kenny McDonald, President and CEO of One Columbus, mentioned in an interview with the City of Dublin's news site.
Hexion's selection of Dublin for their R&D center further cements the city's growing reputation as a cradle for advanced R&D; the city not just has a population approaching 50,000, but also boasts of responsive services, superior education, and is frequently counted among the safest cities nationwide, not to mention its hosting of over 20 corporate headquarters and the Bridge Street District's urban appeal. For prospective job seekers and industry partners, Hexion's website is the go-to place for more details on this transformative move, bringing opportunity and innovation to the heartland of Ohio.
